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Research Design and Methods: DR Brian Van Wyk Post-Graduate Enrolment and Throughput

This document discusses quantitative and qualitative research design and methods. Quantitative research uses predetermined response categories and standardized instruments to investigate structure through large, random samples and statistical analysis. Qualitative research aims to reflect individual experience through smaller, purposive samples and collects rich data through methods like interviews and observations to explore why and how rather than just what. Both approaches are useful depending on the research problem and goals of investigation and theory building.

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Dan Venenciano
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76 views16 pages

Research Design and Methods: DR Brian Van Wyk Post-Graduate Enrolment and Throughput

This document discusses quantitative and qualitative research design and methods. Quantitative research uses predetermined response categories and standardized instruments to investigate structure through large, random samples and statistical analysis. Qualitative research aims to reflect individual experience through smaller, purposive samples and collects rich data through methods like interviews and observations to explore why and how rather than just what. Both approaches are useful depending on the research problem and goals of investigation and theory building.

Uploaded by

Dan Venenciano
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Research design and methods

Part II

Dr Brian van Wyk


POST-GRADUATE ENROLMENT AND THROUGHPUT
From last week…

• Research methodology
– Quantitative vs. Qualitative vs. Participatory/action research

• Research methods
– Methods of sampling, data collection and data analysis

• Research design
– Experimental, descriptive, exploratory
RESEARCH DESIGN

• Logic of the inquiry

• Purpose of the inquiry

• Types of research design

• Directions of reasoning (logic)


QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

• Is best suited to the investigation of structure rather than


process

• Can answer “how many”, “what” and “where” questions

• Relies on predetermined response categories and


standardised data collection instruments

• The standardised measurement and sampling procedures


are intended to enhance the validity and reliability of
observation (counting) and to facilitate replication studies
SAMPLING
IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
• Aim for generalisation to a larger (study) population.

– Sample size = large

– Random sampling from study population is preferred when possible,


where not possible systematic, stratified and cluster sampling methods
may be used

– Why?

• And verification of theory


DATA ANALYSIS
IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

I. Descriptive statistics

• Simple distribution (one variable)

• Bivariate relationships (2 variables., e.g. frequency


distributions)

• More than 2 variables (tri/multivariate, e.g. multiple


regression analysis)
Inferential statistics
Use probability theory:

• to test hypotheses

• to draw inferences as to whether results from a random sample


hold true for a designated study population (generalisability)

• to test whether descriptive results are likely to be due to random


factors or to a real relationship. It helps researchers decide
whether a relationship really exists between different sets of
statistical results
NEED TO KNOW - CONCEPTS
Statistical significance
• means that results are not likely to be due to chance factors – the
probability of finding a relationship in the sample when there is
none in the population. It tells the researcher whether the results
are produced by random error in random sampling.
• Results an be statistically significant but theoretically meaningless
or trivial. BEWARE OF THE STATISTICIAN!

Probability theory
• refers to a process that generates a mathematically random result
– that is, the selection process operates in a truly random method
and a researcher can calculate the probability of outcomes. It is a
true random process in that each element has an equal probability
of being selected.
STEPS IN DESIGNING A
QUANTITATIVE STUDY
• Formulate a researchable question
• Review related literature
• State hypotheses
• Determine the variables to be studied
– Identify dependent, independent, control and other variables
– Determine how these variables will be operationalised
– Determine level of measurement
• Determine research plan/method of data collection
• Define population
• Determine what instruments will be used to collect data
– Pretest instruments
• Determine statistical tests to use
DATA COLLECTION
IN QUANTITATIVE STUDIES

• Experimental
– Simple post-test
– Classic pre-test, post-test
– Pre-test, post-test, control group

• Secondary analysis of quantitative data

• Observation
– Use check or tally sheet

• Surveys
– Use questionnaires
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

• The aim of qualitative research is to “get close to the data


in their natural setting”

• It is designed to best reflect an individual’s experience in


the context of their everyday life.

• It uses smaller sample sizes and digs deeply for data.


DATA COLLECTION
IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• Participant observation

• Case studies

• Formal and informal interviewing

• Videotaping

• Archival data surveys OR document review


• Emphasises comprehensive, interdependent, dynamic
and holistic structures

• Is appropriate in the investigation of “messy” problems and


complex, interdependent issues, and allows for the
collection of rich data that can explore the “why” and “how”
of the problem, and not just the “what” (quantitative
research)

• Often draws on multiple sources of data

• Is particularly appropriate to the investigation of research


problems that are under-theorised, given its strength in
generating / developing theory (inductive).
DATA ANALYSIS
IN QUALITATIVE STUDIES
• Discourse analysis

• Narrative analysis

• Content analysis

• Thematic analysis
SAMPLING
IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• Sampling is mostly purposive – with specific criteria in mind!

• Seek conceptual applicability rather than


representativeness (quantitative representivity)

• You want to capture the range of views/experiences

• Or seek after/pursue saturation of data

• Or to draw theory from data.


TRIANGULATION
IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• Data triangulation – multiple data sources to understand a
phenomenon

• Methods triangulation – multiple research methods to study


a phenomenon

• Researcher triangulation – multiple investigators in


analysing and interpreting the data

• Theory triangulation – multiple theories and perspectives to


help interpret and explain the data

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